2037 Multimorbidity and adverse outcomes in the emergency department: a cohort study

Conclusion There were 1,273,937 attendances to EDs in the region during the study period, corresponding to 451,291 patients. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 9.6% (n=43504). After adjusting for confounding, multimorbidity was associated with higher 30-day mortality (8.2% vs 1.2%, OR 1.81 (1.72-1.91),p<0.001), longer time spent in department (mean difference 16 minutes (16-17 minutes), p<0.001), higher rate of hospital admission (60.1% vs 20.5%, OR 1.81 (1.76-1.86),p<0.001) and higher 7-day ED reattendance in those discharged from ED (7.8% vs 3.5%, OR 1.41 (1.32-1.50),p<0.001) . Magnitude of associations between multimorbidity and all outcomes were more pronounced in patients <65 years old. Almost one in ten patients presenting to ED were multimorbid. Multimorbidity was strongly associated with adverse outcomes and these associations were more pronounced in younger patients. Patients with multimorbidity in ED settings may benefit from improved recognition and tailored care pathways.
Source: Emergency Medicine Journal - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: RCEM Lightning Papers Source Type: research